The Etche and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas have commenced a boundary demarcation exercise aimed at resolving long-standing land disputes between communities in both councils.

The process was formally flagged off at a joint stakeholders’ meeting attended by council officials, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and relevant state agencies. The initiative is expected to lay a lasting foundation for peace, orderly development, and improved inter-community relations.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, JP, called for synergy, collaboration, and total cooperation from all community representatives involved in the exercise. He assured residents of Etche and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the council’s commitment to fairness, peace, and justice throughout the demarcation process and beyond.

Chief Njoku described the exercise as a critical step toward ending recurring conflicts that have slowed development, stressing that transparency and inclusiveness would guide the work of the joint committee.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr. Gift Worlu, emphasised the need for peace, unity, and mutual understanding. He noted that unresolved boundary issues have hindered development and progress in affected communities, urging all parties to embrace peaceful coexistence to unlock growth and shared prosperity.

Also addressing the gathering, the Surveyor-General of Rivers State, Mr. Peter Ogolo, highlighted the importance of proper documentation in resolving boundary disputes. He assured stakeholders of a professional, impartial approach and pledged to provide the technical guidance required to achieve a durable and credible boundary resolution.

Highlights of the meeting included the inauguration of a joint committee to oversee boundary matters, the signing of a peace agreement by traditional rulers, a call on youths to embrace dialogue over violence, and a collective commitment by both councils to resolve the dispute amicably.

Members of the Committee on Anti-Land Grabbing, Land Acquisition Management and Development, led by High Chief Emma Nwaobilor, were also present. The five-member committee includes High Chief Emma Nwaobilor (Chairman), Hon. Dr. Mrs. Uche Ken Ndukwu (Spokesperson), Barr. Mrs. Blessing Amanze (Secretary), Chief Ugochukwu Onyegbu (Member), and Hon. Teslin Agbagbuo (Member).

The committee commended Chief Njoku for what it described as his timely intervention against land grabbers in Etche and for reconnecting the area to the national grid. It passed a vote of confidence in the Etche council chairman, noting that his administration has helped restore the area’s pride and development prospects.

Stakeholders agreed that restoring lasting peace after years of disagreement would require patience, dialogue, and a gradual, inclusive process, urging all parties to remain committed to the exercise until its successful conclusion.

The meeting ended with renewed optimism that the boundary demarcation would usher in harmony, stability, and accelerated development for communities in both local government areas.